Worn Bearings on One Side

Eagles · 04-30-2018, 06:08 AM

I have a 2017 Bullet 308BHS. This weekend, I repacked the wheel bearings. I found that the bearings in both hubs on the driver's side looked nearly new. On the passenger's side, the grease in both hubs was black and all the bearings were discolored black/brown on the inside of the bearing where it contacts the spindle. Of course, it's two days past the warranty period.

I'm concerned that both were good on one side and both were wearing on the other. I'm wondering whether the trailer could be out of alignment or have some bigger issue. Anyone have suggestions?

**JRTJH** · 04-30-2018, 06:19 AM

I believe the axles on most Keystone trailers are warrantied for 2 years and some are warrantied for 3 years. So, if you're considering the Keystone 1 year warranty as the "key to expiration" you might want to check the owner's packet and see what documentation you might have on the axle warranty.

Eagles · 04-30-2018, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRTJH

I believe the axles on most Keystone trailers are warrantied for 2 years and some are warrantied for 3 years. So, if you're considering the Keystone 1 year warranty as the "key to expiration" you might want to check the owner's packet and see what documentation you might have on the axle warranty.

Thanks for the response. I wasn't aware of that. I don't see anything specific to the axle in the owner's packet, but I have reached out to Dexter.

Canonman · 04-30-2018, 06:48 AM

Another possibility is a weight difference between the two sides. Also, abnormal tire wear would likely show an alignment issue. How do the tires on either side compare?

Lee · 04-30-2018, 07:23 AM

I wonder if who ever installed the hub assembly on that side, over torqued the Bearing retainer nut on the spindle? This can cause premature bearing wear.

66joej · 04-30-2018, 07:26 AM

Bearing adjustment/preload also has an effect on wear. Could have been set by workers on opposite sides during assembly.

ChuckS · 04-30-2018, 07:50 AM

Since it appears you can do your own work I’d order a full set of bearings , races , seals for both sides and replace all at once

Then you will know what you got, know the bearings are set correctly, and properly greased. I like the red HP HY disc brake bearings grease best

You could maybe get dexter or Lippert to replace the parts but it would be a hassle

Eagles · 04-30-2018, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canonman

Another possibility is a weight difference between the two sides. Also, abnormal tire wear would likely show an alignment issue. How do the tires on either side compare?

Thanks for all the responses. The tires all appear to be wearing evenly, although I haven't put a lot of miles on it, so there isn't a lot of wear.

Eagles · 04-30-2018, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChuckS

Since it appears you can do your own work I’d order a full set of bearings , races , seals for both sides and replace all at once

Then you will know what you got, know the bearings are set correctly, and properly greased. I like the red HP HY disc brake bearings grease best

You could maybe get dexter or Lippert to replace the parts but it would be a hassle

Thanks. I did replace the everything on the passenger side, but not on the driver's side. I wouldn't worry about getting dexter to pay for the parts, I'm just worried there's a bigger problem with the trailer.

Ken / Claudia · 04-30-2018, 08:09 AM

Time to take the trailer to a scale and weight right and left sides. See if that could be a problem causer. Other than that they are bent which should show up in tire wear, or as mentioned they were installed wrong or poorly made and failed early. Anyway clear to hear you found it now and not after they left you on the highway shoulder.

Eagles · 04-30-2018, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken / Claudia

Time to take the trailer to a scale and weight right and left sides. See if that could be a problem causer. Other than that they are bent which should show up in tire wear, or as mentioned they were installed wrong or poorly made and failed early. Anyway clear to hear you found it now and not after they left you on the highway shoulder.

I can definitely find someplace to weigh it. I'm not sure what I'd do if one side was heavier than the other. I could add weight to the lighter side, but I don't think I could remove anything from the heavier side. We haven't added anything to the trailer, other than trip supplies, which would be a couple hundred pounds tops. The side that is wearing early is the side with the appliances, but the other side has two slide outs.

I considered that the axles might be bent, but it seems odd to me that both would be bent and both would only be wearing on one side. I would expect if an axle was bent, both sides of that axle would show wear, but I'm just guessing. How would I tell if the axles are bent?

Thanks again for all the responses.

Eagles · 04-30-2018, 08:29 AM

Just got this response from my email to Dexter:

"Unfortunately, your dark grease and bearings do not have anything to do with the alignment of your axle. The discoloration on the inside of the bearings is normal. You can clean it off or replace them if you want. As long as there are no pitting in the bearings or races and the cages they are good. That side may have gotten a little warmer than the other side to cause the grease to discolor on the races. Not sure if you do a temperature gun when you travel to tell if it is getting warmer on that side."

I appreciate that they responded, but I don't think the discoloration on the bearings is "normal". It's not something that can be cleaned off.

mfifield01 · 04-30-2018, 09:13 AM

I went to repack my bearings a couple of months ago and had some slight discoloration. From what I read it was just the grease discoloring. Instead of just repacking, I replaced the bearings and races with Timken (USA). I had about 10000 miles on the trailer (first bearing service).

http://www.keystoneforums.com/forums...t=31154&page=3

Canonman · 04-30-2018, 09:26 AM

We had a wheel get hot due to a brake issue. Our TPMS alerted us to the problem and we were able to fix the issue within about 40 miles of slower travel from the first alert.
When I repacked the bearings this spring, that particular wheel showed some discoloration of the grease but no pitting or issues with the bearing. So, I agree, excessive heat can cause discoloration. Maybe the brake adjust on the passenger side was tighter (too tight) than the driver side?

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